We’re Gonna Be Great Grandparents ACCORDING TO DON

by DON FOWLER

And we will be GREAT great grandparents!

Granddaughter Tara informed us over the Christmas holidays with what we thought was a Christmas card. It was an announcement of our upcoming status with a picture of our grandperson resting comfortably.

Joyce was third of a four-generation family and will reclaim the hour in July when Tara gives birth.

Husband Michael will be by her side during the delivery, a privilege I was denied during birth of our two children.

Times have changed. Not only are they present to watch the miracle of birth, they may even have the privilege of cutting the cord.

We had the experience of witnessing the sex of the child in the womb at an early age of development in a fairly new ritual called The Reveal Party.

Covid kept many of us watching the celebration via Zoom, leaving the mostly younger crowd to party all night long.

Reveal parties run from simple ceremonies to lavish affairs with cakes, streamers, balloons, fireworks and liquid refreshments.

Either blue or pink smoke emerges from a cake in a technique that only the baker knows in advance.

It’s a boy, the blue smoke tells everyone, and cheers rise from Tara and Mike’s back yard and dozens of homes across the country.

I didn’t know the sex of my daughter and son until the doctor came into the waiting room to inform me.

Tara and Mike or already buying paint for the room and clothing for the boy soon-to-be-named.

It’s a different world.

Next week his college will be revealed.

AARP CHAPTER 2210 LOBSTER BAKE & FOXWOODS TRIP

AARP Chapter 2210 has planned a Lobster Bake at Cap’n Jack’s & Foxwoods Casino trip for April 18. Bus pickup from the Exit 19 Park & Ride on Hopkins Hill Road at 10AM, return time is approximately 6PM. Cost is $119/person. For more information call Maureen at 828-5188. Final payment due by March 28.

“THE LORD’S SUPPER”

AT CORNERSTONE OF FAITH UMC Cornerstone of Faith UMC, 1081 Main Street, Coventry, will hold a supper on March 25 from 5-6PM in the Church Hall. All are welcome to attend. Donations appreciated.

PVPHS HOSTING PRESENTATION BY DR. PAUL O’MALLEY

The Pawtuxet Valley Preservation & Historical Society, 1679 Main Street, West Warwick, will host a Presentation by Dr. Paul O’Malley, Assistant Professor at Providence College, on March 25 at 2PM. Dr. O’Malley will speak about the complicated history of Ireland’s ties to the British Commonwealth and the efforts by part of the country to extricate itself from British rule. The title of this discussion is “The Irish War of Independence between 1919 and 1921 that lead to the Irish Civil War of 19221923. This Presentation is free and open to the public. Please call Cecilia at 821-1078 with any questions.

Coventry Public Library

HOMEBOUND SERVICES

The Library Homebound Service is a program designed to assist Coventry residents who have a temporary or permanent physical impairment that would prevent them from coming to the Library. The Homebound Coordinator visits private homes on a monthly basis and will deliver books (large type or regular print), DVD’s, audiobooks & periodicals to the patron. Contact the Library Homebound Desk at 822-9463 or email dyoung@coventrylibrary.org for more information.

RIPTA BUS PASSES

A Representative from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) will be at the Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry on March 29 from 10AM-12PM. The fee is $10. People 65 & older or people with disabilities will need current State picture ID, Medicaid Card dated 2019 or newer, Food Stamp Award Letter and/or Social Security Award Letter.

SWEATIN’ TO THE MUSIC EXERCISE CLASS AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is offering free exercise classes on Tuesdays at 3PM & Thursdays at 10AM, hosted by Mind and Body Studios. You’ll move & groove to a playlist of greatest hits while laughing and having fun. This program is open to all fitness levels and all ages. No sign up required. Call 828-3750 for more information.

West Warwick Food Cupboard

The West Warwick Assistance Agency operates a food cupboard at 1293 Main Street serving all West Warwick residents living at or below three times the federal poverty level. We are open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10AM-2PM, unless there is a town-wide parking ban in effect. We offer standard amounts of core groceries based on household size as well as self serve selections of produce, bread and assorted other non-core grocery items we have on hand. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 828-0310, and no appointment is necessary to visit our facility.

Ri Community Food Bank

If you are in need of food, you can call the RI Community Food Bank at 942-6325 or you can visit www.rifoodbank.org for a complete list of open pantries statewide.

Coventry Public Library

NEW CHAT FEATURE!

At home in your slippers, but need to ask us a question? Try our new chat service! Click on the chat bubble logo on the bottom right corner of our website and ask away. If the library isn’t open, it will let you email us. Chat hours are: Monday through Wednesday 9AM-7:30PM, Thursday and Friday 9AM-4:30PM, and Saturday 9AM-4:30PM (9AM-12:30PM during Summer Hours).

MARINE CORPS LEAGUE

The Marine Corps League will hold their meeting the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:30PM at VFW Post 9404, 29 South Main Street, Coventry. Members join in camaraderie and fellowship for the purpose of preserving traditions and interests of the United States Marine Corps. For more information, call 238-6239.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE

SPOTLIGHT: KILL A WATT POWER METER

Coventry Public Library has a power meter available to borrow ìto accurately measure power consumption of household appliances and to determine the actual cost of power consumed. The unit will also project, in real time, the cost of continued use of the appliance in time periods of hour, day, week, month, and year.” For more information about borrowing the Kill A Watt power meter, stop by the Circulation Desk or call 822-9100 and press 1.

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY ADULT SENSORY TIME

The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick invites adults to particpate in this new program on March 21 at 2PM, where they can socialize and do relaxing self directed activities such as coloring, painting, and puzzles. This program is designed for those with sensory processing challenges, ASD, and/or other needs, however, all are welcome. Sign-up is not required. All questions can be directed to ref@ wwpl.org

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS MENTORS NEEDED

West Warwick Public Schools is in need of in person volunteer mentors for students in Grades K-12. The time commitment is 1 hour per week. Anybody who is interested in volunteering can call or email me, Dana Papitto, Mentor Coordinator, at: (401) 825-6530 or dpapitto@ww-ps.com

EXETER GRANGE “GO BANANAS CHALLENGE”

Exeter Grange is working on a new challenge. The Grange is participating in the ìGo Bananas Challengeî for Project Saving Species in conjunction with the Cincinnati Zoo. They are asking for donations of used and broken cell phones, smart phones, IPAD/IPODS, tablets and charging accessories. Many of these items contain metals and materials that need to be recycled and not tossed in the landfill. Eco-Call, a Louisville based company, will break down and recycle the items and has a no landfill policy. Donations can be left on the steps of Exeter Grange Hall, 469 Ten Rod Road (Rte. 102) in Exeter. If there are any questions or a donation is left, please feel free to call Amanda or Peggy at 401-397-8058 and leave a message.

Free Notary Service At Coventry Library

Free notary services are available at the Coventry Public Library. Proper governmental identification with a signature is required and all documents must be signed in the presence of the notary. Please call ahead to be sure the notary is available at 401-8226200.

Sign Up For Important Town Information Alerts

CodeRed is a very helpful service in which you can receive important town information in a timely manner. Alerts include important town matters, COVID-19 vaccinations, weather emergencies, sex offender notifications, etc. To sign up for automated calls and/or texts on your cell phone or landline, register your phone numbers at the town’s website, www. coventryri.org or through the Coventry Police Dept. website, www.coventrypd.org

Volunteer Tour Guides Needed

The Paine House, 7 Station Street in Coventry is looking for volunteer Tour Guides to share this unique historical site with the general public. Can you spare a few hours once or twice a month? All training and materials will be provided, no special skills required. This opportunity is suitable for High School students to adults. Training classes for the 2022 season will begin soon. If interested, call Bob at 439-7513 or email info@ westernrihistory.org

West Warwick Public Library Community Needs Pantry

The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick has a free Community Needs Pantry set up near the front entrance. Please take what you need! If you would like to donate, leave what you can (non-perishables only please). The Pantry is in need of milk (all kinds), cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter & toilet paper. For more information, call 828-3750.

Medical Equipment

In need of medical equipment? The following locations are good resources: Robert J. Allen Masonic Medical Equipment Distribution Center, 116 Long Street in Warwick (across from St. Rose & Clement Church). Open Fridays from 9AM-12PM, pre-owned equipment - loaned at no cost. 4510184. Ocean State Center for Independent Living, 1944 Warwick Avenue in Warwick. In need of wheelchairs, grab bars, walkers, transport chairs, toilets, wheelchair ramp, etc.? Call 738-1013, Ext. 13 or visit www.oscil.org Coventry-West Greenwich Lions, 821-7219 or 392-3063.

PROJECT FRIENDS

Project Friends is a State of RI licensed community based day service program developed in 1992 for adults with developmental disabilities. Each individual has a plan that offers choices of activities which build independence, adult daily living skills, socialization, self-esteem and confidence. Participants are supported by case aides. If you would like more information about Project Friends, please feel free to call Marlena or Lisa at 822-9144.

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY HOMEBOUND OUTREACH SERVICES

The West Warwick Public Library offers free delivery of most Library materials to the homebound, free of charge. If you are either permanently or temporarily unable to come to the Library, and you are a resident of West Warwick, this program is for you. To sign up or for more information, contact Anne at 828-3750, Ext. 11 or email anne@wwlibrary.org

WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY FIBER CRAFT CLUB

The West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick invites patrons ages 6+ to join them on March 22 at 6PM for this new club that brings together fiber arts crafters of all ages and experience levels. Learn to crochet with a member of staff or bring in your own fiber arts projects to work on! All children must be accompanied by an adult. All questions can be directed to ref@wwpl.org

ADDICTION SCREENINGS

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, take the first step towards overcoming addiction. Call today for free screenings or referrals. 1-800-431-1754

FREE TAX AID AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

AARP is offering free income tax preparation for RI residents at the West Warwick Public Library every Tuesday morning from February 7-April 11. To make an appointment, visit the Reference Desk or call 828-3750, Ext. 1 for more information.

COVENTRY RESOURCE & SENIOR CENTER OFFERS FREE NOTARY SERVICE

The Coventry Resource & Senior Center, 50 Wood Street, Coventry, offers free Notary Services to Coventry residents. Please call 822-9175 to ensure a Notary is available for you.

UPCOMING COMEDY SHOWS!

For info/reservations call 401-639-7726!

3/19: Copperfields 2-Johnston

4/1: Warwick Knights of Columbus

4/2: Boomerangs Roadhouse-West Warwick

Save

4/23, 5/21, & 6/11: Stand-Up Sunday with John Perrotta at The Comedy Park-Cranston

4/29: The Event Factory-Warwick

5/4 & 6/22: Lemongrass-Warwick

5/6: Iconic Restaurant at the Kelley Gazzero Post in Cranston

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb, and start turning that dream project into reality. You have the ideas, the drive and the charisma to persuade others to follow your lead. So do it.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20)

You’ve scored some big successes.

But remember that all hard-working Ferdinands and Ferdinandas need some time to restore their energies and refresh their spirits.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) Stop being the wool-gathering Lamb, and start turning that dream project into reality. You have the ideas, the drive and the charisma to persuade others to follow your lead. So do it.

You’re gaining a stronger mental image of what you’re trying to achieve. Now, look for the facts that will help get this to develop from a concept into a solid proposal.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22)

Some of you eager-to-please Moon Children might want to delay some decisions until midweek, when you can again think more with your head than your heart.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’ve scored some big successes. But remember that all hard-working Ferdinands and Ferdinandas need some time to restore their energies and refresh their spirits.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A new business venture seems to offer everything you’ve been looking for. But be careful that this rosy picture doesn’t betray traces of red ink under the surface.

VIRGO (August 23 to September

22) A volatile situation needs the kind of thoughtful and considerate care you can provide right now. There’ll be plenty of time later to analyze what might have gone wrong.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’re gaining a stronger mental image of what you’re trying to achieve. Now, look for the facts that will help get this to develop from a concept into a solid proposal.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Your loyalty to a friend in a tough situation earns you respect from people you care about. Those who criticize you don’t understand what friendship is all about.

23 to October 22) expect to be asked to lead a special group. This could open an exciting new vista for you.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your strong work ethic is rewarded with the kind of challenging opportunity you love to tackle. Now, go ahead and celebrate with family and/or close friends.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Some of you eager-to-please Moon Children might want to delay some decisions until midweek, when you can again think more with your head than your heart.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A legal matter you thought had been finally resolved could require a second look. But don’t make any moves without consulting your lawyer.

Your loyalty to a friend in a tough situation earns you respect from people you care about. Those who criticize you don’t understand what friendship is all about.

5/20: Carriage Inn-North Kingstown

5/20: The Comedy Park-Cranston-The Induction of Poppy Champlain into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame

5/28: Pub on Park-Cranston

6/4: Fresco-Cranston

6/17: Bishop Hill Tavern-Johnston

6/24: Bella Restaurant-Burrillville comedyfactoryri.com

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A new business venture seems to offer everything you’ve been looking for. But be careful that this rosy picture doesn’t betray traces of red ink under the surface.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking charge is what you like to do, and since you do it so well, expect to be asked to lead a special group. This could open an exciting new vista for you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An important matter might wind up being entrusted to you for handling. The responsibility is heavy, but you’ll have support from people able and eager to help.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Your strong work ethic is rewarded with the kind of challenging opportunity you love to tackle. Now, go ahead and celebrate with family and/ or close friends.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) An important matter might wind up being entrusted to you for handling. The responsibility is heavy, but you’ll have support from people able and eager to help.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A spouse or partner might make an important, even life-changing, suggestion. Consider it carefully. It could hold some of the answers you’ve both been looking for.

BORN THIS WEEK: You always try to do the right thing for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A volatile situation needs the kind of thoughtful and considerate care you can provide right now. There’ll be plenty of time later to analyze what might have gone wrong.

LIBRA (September

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A legal matter you thought had been finally resolved could require a second look. But don’t make any moves without consulting your lawyer.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Taking charge is what you like to do, and since you do it so well,

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) A spouse or partner might make an important, even life-changing, suggestion. Consider it carefully. It could hold some of the answers you’ve both been looking for.

BORN THIS WEEK:

You always try to do the right thing for the right reasons. No wonder people have come to depend on you.

THE REMINDER

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